Oh my Gosh Bridal Gown

On a recent expo trip to WI, my helper Glenda and I couldn't believe what we saw in a bridal shop window...this gown! Up close it didn't look quite so bad, but from across the street - well it just looked like 2 red boobs!

This one is going in my "Frumpy to Wow" class photos to teach how important it is to 'stand back' and get a total overall view of what you're creating!

I put this in the league of Michelle Obama's 'Black Widow' dress from the night he clinched the nomination.........

Just my personal opinion...which is what Blogs are all about.....

Guatemala Disaster Relief Needed

Regarding the recent volcano eruption and flooding in Guatemala - where the school is located that I support through my website, I've received this update and appeal for assistance. I will be sending some funds, and I pray you will join me as well..:


Hi Londa,
We are raising funds for disaster relief, if people want to contribute to this need. We have gotten so many requests for help, and the stories are heartbreaking.
When I found out that a family of six people can buy the seeds to grow food for their family for one year for just $25, I was so surprised. Of course there is labor involved, but all the families pitch in and cultivate their own corn and beans. Many have to rent the land to plant, and fertilize, but for the most part, it is impressive that they can eat for a year on $25 worth of seeds. And, I can barely get 2 days worth of food at Publix for me and Dad for the same $25. Quite amazing.

The vocational school was our largest and most expensive project. They have had mud slides around the lake, but our school sits solid on the cliff overlooking the lake - glad we bought lots of rebar to hold it in place. It pays to not skimp on iron in an unstable zone. We had American engineers review the plans before we got started. I have not heard a report of the number of homes lost in Santa Cruz, but in nearby towns, there are many homeless people. They are living in the churches.

Must run,
Penny

Penny Rambacher, R.D.
Founder/PresidentMiracles In Action, a 501(c)(3) non-profitwww.MiraclesInAction.org

Feel like a 'Dressed Up' gal in these casual days...

OK - amongst a very frustrating day - note my VERIZON post a bit ago - I needed to feel GOOD. So I 'dressed up' for an appointment with my patent attorney this afternoon ....
I have on:

• Deep Teal camisole for COLOR
• Topped with WHITE - yes - WHITE shirt from Coldwater Creek as a 'jacket'. It has 3/4 length sleeves, a stand up wing type collar. I haven't had a WHITE shirt for AGES. Was taught - and still believe that 'you shouldn't wear a white whiter than your eyes (mine are pretty bloodshot these days), or your teeth (well, I did have some cosmetic work done, but didn't go for 'Chicklet' white)... but it feels smart, snappy - and I LIKE IT! That's the bottom line - if you feel GOOD in what you're wearing!
  
• My Coldwater Creek dark JEANS (that amazingly FIT my curvy ample 'behind' and smaller waist) in which I pressed front and back creases.
• Added silver earrings with bit of Teal in them and a groovy (is that a current word?) chain type belt.
• AND - I think this is real important- I put on HEELS! I can't tell you how much better, more confident, more dressed up I feel in HEELS~! These are sandals - and a chunky 2" heel (new), but they make the difference between feeling frumpy and feeling dressed up - at least to my soul!
  

So - that's my 'fashion advice' for the day. Oh - and I have to tell Dear Daughter that the current IN STYLE magazine says it is A-OK to wear denim with denim - as long as it is different, and doesn't look like you tried to match it. Lots of 'stars' are doing that - and photos there to prove it.

I HATE Verizon Home Telephone Service

I'm SO frustrated! I'm now on the phone - hold - 5th call or so to try to END my elderly father's phone service! What biggies all service is amazing! Absolutely sick, sad, pathetic, etc. etc. etc.
On top of this - it took me 3 WEEKS - yes - 3 WEEKS and crying like a crazy lady on the phone last October to get it installed!
Sew - do NOT get home Verizon service if you are smart!

Miracles In Action Update

This will make you just weep, gals! Our efforts to support the vocational school in Guatemala where people learn to help themselves is awesome! Every time you place an order with me at www.londas-sewing.com you support this charity!
Here is what my contact - Penny just wrote:

"I have attached a poster that you can put on your website - the funds you sent us helped to buy those sewing machines. Miracles in Action gave Amigos de Santa Cruz $6,000 to buy them, the loom, and other supplies (thread, etc.) Pat asked me what type sewing machines to buy. I suggested treadle type, and to ask the sewing instructor at the other smaller project we support. She "went to town", and got the machines, and getting them to this village is no small task - it is located on the side walls of a crater lake, and only reachable by boat. You will see this from the photo. You can probably learn more from their website, and they have a newsletter online.

Thank you for your help in this. You have made a difference. Maybe someday, you would like to go see it for yourself.

Penny"
And this - from a person more personally involved with this project...

"Good Morning, Londa, Im Pat, Director of Amigos de Santa Cruz, Penny's partner organization in Santa Cruz. I wanted to thank you personally for your donation for our new sewing and weaving center. The CECAP center was inaugurated on April 26th and classes have already begun. Students in 5th through 9th grade are learning basic sewing skills. This is the first time ever that young people have had the opportunity to learn hands-0n skills as part of their school program. Adults will begin classes in June. We plan to teach basic sewing to begin with and develop a few different products that the women can sell locally including aprons and bags. As adults complete a full course, they will have the option to apply for a micro loan to purchase their own sewing machine and start their own mini-business. We are also having two looms built for weaving, another skill the people have expressed a strong interest in learning. Your donation is helping to make this all possible. The impact will be long term. Our goal is to give people the opportunity to learn hands on skills that will lead to jobs and a stronger economy for the villagers and the community. Please visit our website at amigosdesantacruz.org to read more about our visions for CECAP and learn more about what we do in Santa Cruz. Be sure to download our most currently newsletter. Feel free to ask any questions. Patricia Torpie Director, Amigos de Santa Cruz Foundation Santa Cruz la Laguna, Solola, Guatemala P.O. Box 148, Lopez Island, WA 98261 www.amigosdesantacruz.org "

Spring Quilt Market Review

OK - back and recovered for a few days now from Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis.....and caught up on business here at home - and I guess 'recuperated'!

Quilt Market is held 2 times a year: once in the spring and it travels around the country - and then the other time in late October in Houston, right before the infamous Quilt Festival. Market is where shop owners, designers, distributors, etc. go to actually place orders for their shops and businesses from .... people like myself: pattern designers (of which there are UNTOLD numbers!), fabric manufacturers (the REAL draw!), trim people...about everything and anything you can imagine might be sold in a fabric/quilt shop. It is where shop owners go to 'find something new', find out what is 'hot', etc.

A booth selling SuperMan fabric even brought in a bonafide Phone Booth! Amazing...
To put it simply - I was honored to be a part of this event. It is certainly a testament to HARD WORK - takes most of us a full day to cart in and set up a booth - and untold hours of preparation besides. It is really good old USA Capitalism - meaning WORKING FOR a LIVING at its best. imho.....


Twas quite an experience! I was there 'peddling' my own line of Talking Patterns™ (which received rave reviews by the way!), book and DVD. My new Genesis Too™ pattern was extremely well received due to having made the samples in current quilt fabrics, and having a Teacher's Outline available to help utilize it in classes and workshops. My friend/helper Von went with me and had a VERY good time shopping! Though you're not supposed to 'sell product', but only take orders - HMMMMM - quite a different story. I sure took product so they could take home - saving us both shipping expense! Many others did the same thing - and if minimums weren't met, were happy to sell at retail. Let's just say Von has plenty of 'work' cut out for her! :) She was great at 'sniffing' things out for me though! I'm VERY excited about what I found to offer MY customers at Londa's Creative Threads website and expos around the country. My head is SPINNING with new ideas, interpretations of my jackets on which to use all these great ideas and products!


Some things to share. First - I just must state that the effort that vendors go to in order to make spectacular booths AMAZED US! The first photo above is of a chest covered with a wire GATE, covered with glass! Just too cool an idea for a coffee table, or any kind of table. Under the glass - see the memorabilia? Then - on the legs that supported the gate - were big old bed springs - or what looked like that. TOO CUTE~!!
Am always after new ideas for decorating - even display in my booth, so in the 2nd photo the arrangement of bars held by fabric caught my eye. Sending to all of you - and Dear Daughter-Mother of my #1 perfect Grandson - for an idea of displaying his artwork. If you look hard under the purse at the pattern, you can see that it is anchored by a push pin from the back of this huge painted bar - like a huge popsicle stick.

The 3rd photo was just a very nice room setting all created with quilt fabric. The chest really caught my eye especially - the fabric glued to the drawer covers.

Look carefully around the top of the 4th photo (sorry - don't know how to get photos by verbage ) to see the penants made of the quilt fabric. How fun is that?!? And a 2nd grader on up could help make those for their room! What a fun summer project...

Below - is the RUSH of Sample Spree held the first night. My conclusion: not a one of these eager buyers has ANY fabric! Yea - right!!!!! The fabric manufacturers give spectacular buys on fabric at this crazy night. And these ladies PAY $10 to get in! We decided that basically, the customers want ALOT but for a steal of a price. Was an experience to behold - crazy ladies (mostly) shopping!

















This is Art Felt. The most amazing
new thing' - at least to me - that we found.
It's not needle felting.
It's not wet felting.
It's not fulling.
It's Artfelt®.

My starting order is on its way - and I can't wait to get my hands on this. I envision it in the collar on one of my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets! Like especially Esther from my book, Creative Sweatshirt Jackets...Londa's Way, which everyone thinks is felted fabric anyway. The 'secret' is the paper - which is of potato starch. During the process, it gives you something to 'felt to'. Then- after agitation (which they say is all that is needed - wetness plus agitation - the drier), you pour boiling water over it to dissolve it. It's kinda like the Solvy Scarf idea - you stitch the ribbons to water-soluble Solvy Stabilizer, then wash it all and the Solvy disappears...well - this is the same! More once it comes in and I get to PLAY! Ohhhhh - and the roving colors, mixes - absolutely breath-taking! Gives me goose bumps remembering.....!!!!! Can't wait - can't wait - can't wait!

I was tickled to death to see amazing, luscious FABRIC as selected by Linda Lee from the Sewing Workshop available at my main supplier! So - OF COURSE I have some ordered - be on the watch for it to arrive soon.

Trims Trims and more TRIMS. I was on the lookout for a good, narrow black - and I found that, plus GOLD, plus great yarns, decorative threads. In my mind - all for my Creative Sweatshirt Jackets - but just fun to offer on my site and in my booth at expos for your creating pleasure. Can't wait - can't wait!

Did see the Roll the Gold 45 mm Rotary Blade there too...then, when I got home, it finally arrived in stock. This blade is Titanium nitride coated steel...which WILL last longer than your everyday rotary blade! Installed mine on my favorite Dritz (pressure activated) and Clover Rotary Cutters last night. I have a few garments to whip up in the next few weeks - so they'll get a workout. Two blades for $11.95 - not too bad - if they last longer - which I'm pretty sure they are destined to do!

Genesis Too™ Talking Pattern™ off to the printer!

http://www.londas-sewing.com/Genesis-Too--printed-format-CAT-p25335.html
Yea - I'm only an hour or so away from sending off Genesis Too™ to the printer and my techy son for their part of the 'labor of love' of creating a new pattern! The only real job I have left - other than proofing (no small job!), is to trace off the nested size pattern pieces for Front, Back, and Sleeve...and THAT will have to wait til I return from the Spring Quilt Market and some family moving work.
At any rate - it is due to be available June 15 - and I've put it up at my site for pre-orders at this time. Please understand, if you order, you DO pay for it NOW, but you'll have to wait until it is ready before I can ship it - obviously!
From the pattern back: Seeing the sweatshirt as 'fabric and matching ribbing' fast forwards you through fitting issues, and moves the sleeve seam to the natural shoulder location. An extensive Embellishment library full of techniques, photos, AND Design Principles will help give you options, AND filter your decisions. This style is developed for the beginner level - though all sewers will enjoy the creative process. It is PERFECT for classes and workshop experiences!

Save $3 on this pattern since you read about it on my blog...Click on the link below.
http://www.londas-sewing.com/Genesis-Too--printed-format-CAT-p25335.html

Londa's Way of Setting in Sleeves just posted on YouTube

Yea - finally had my son tape me setting in the sleeves on the linen jacket I made using my Chosen pattern collar design and embellishment. I need to finish that Blog post as well - but I've been VERY busy on my new pattern: Genesis Too™!
Anyway - go see it at the Free Info Tab at my site...at this link: Londa's Way of Setting in Sleeves - It's all in the Fingers!
Try it - I think you'll like it - and let me know how it goes for you!

Perhaps I can just embed it here - I'll try - Ahhh I see it worked!


Your comments HERE and at YouTube much appreciated! Also - if you have questions- ask away!

Genesis Too ™ New Pattern Mess

Well - I'm at it again.... Ideas come either in the shower or in the car with a grat assistant - and this time it was with Gloria driving back from Detroit...the idea to do a version of my Transformed Pattern - featuring the cardigan neckline and sleeves set up to regular placement at shoulder.

So - that's what I'm up to. See my office, my work room (ala basement), and the Kitchen counter where I've labored over grading and refining the pattern itself. Yes - this one will have Front, Back, and Sleeves included. PLUS, directions for 2 jackets - both brand new, and an Embellishment Library to boot!

Thus - combined with elderly parent issues, why you're not hearing from me via newsletters lately.




BUT! Great news - the new sweatshirts from USA Comfort Color are dribbling in and they are GREAT!!!!


Sew....do I work in a creative mess, or what???!?????????????

Shopping with Dear Daughter

Had a ball on a shopping spree with DD (Dear Daughter) one night this week. Ahh - what a 27 year-old can teach a 'mature' woman...even if her 'field' is supposed to be fashion and design?!

Ladies...Here it is - in her own words.... Keep in mind this is my daughter - raised with a very fashion-conscious Mom, and one who sewed most everything for her for a long time - including the prom gowns and wedding dress(es). AND owned a fashion fabric sewing store from the time she was 8 to 22.
As with everything - take it or leave it. (As I do with her screaming at me to dye my blend of blonde/grey hair! My hairdresser says not to touch it! I'm listening to my hairdresser on that one! - AND my wallet!...)

"Mom, hope you like this - let me know if I can do anything else for ya - Carmen

What your 20 something thinks of your fashion…..

The fashion faux pas:

Don’t wear pants that are too short….high waters are just NOT cool. If anything go too long, remember to have a few good pairs of “heels” pants.

I'm 'filtering here - suffice to say that she says: Do NOT wear pants that are not long enough in the crotch…that is gross!

Don't ever wear more than one piece of denim…you jacket and pants will NEVER match, don’t even try. It looks like a bad 80’s film. Jeans go with everything – but denim!

Don’t wear all of one color – blue pants, blue shirt, blue shoes, blue purse – you will look like a blueberry! A couple pieces of the same color are ok, but punch it up with a fun accent color. The one exception – black, you can go all black….if and only if they are the same shade of black (which is tricky so be cautious)

Continuation of last rule….don’t wear sweat suits in public, we all like to be comfy but not for a day out. If you need comfy find great comfy jeans/tee/tennis shoes or yoga pants and a tee.

Don’t wear straight leg pants – no one should wear these, no matter how fashionable the magazines say they are. If you are bigger than a size two – aka all of us – no one wants to see every nook and crany!

Shot to find wide leg, boot cut, or slightly flared styles! This is a pain, but finding well fitting pants is necessary….try on many and if you find a good fit, get several pairs in more than one color.

Other pant tips: don’t wear pants that come up to your boobs! The ideal is that they sit just below you belly button, and if you try on several pairs at different stores you will find this. Don’t wear pants that are too tight at the waist – no one wants to see your muffin top. There are many options out there that will not squish you in the tummy, or sag at the butt – worth the time to find!

Don’t over accessorize! I asked males friends what fashion faux pas they see in older women, and they all said too much jewelry, bags, etc. (they also mentioned too much skin showing) One great piece may be enough, or several pieces of very low key.

Must haves for a great closet:

Good fitting denim jacket – dark works well (this can be worn dressed up or down with khaki, brown, or black – but never jeans!)

Several pairs of jeans, some that are plenty long for your highest heels

Basic tanks and tees in a variety of colors – these can be made fun with jewelry, a purse and/or shoes – hey those are more fun to buy anyways!

My favorite pieces are the variety of tailored suit coats, I have many colors and styles, they go with anything!

Closing thoughts:

Wear clothes that are comfortable and flattering! Cleaning out you closet and dresser is an amazing, you will feel better and you can determine what your closet is missing and what you have more than enough of. Case and point – I cleaned mine out and found I had 5 black jackets and hardly any purples or greens…so know I know what to look for and what not to buy. It will make your shopping more successful. Don’t buy anything that won’t go with at least 3 other things in your closet! Last pointer: When I reorganized my overflowing closet I grouped in by type than color. I used to have it simply by color, and found I wore black way to often since it was in abundance and easy. However, now I look at the weather and then go to sweaters or capris and choose based on weather rather than color and have found myself wearing pieces I almost forgot I had.

Best of luck in fashion to you, Carmen "

New 'Chosen' Interpretation

I cut out a 'regular' jacket using a Vogue princess line jacket pattern yesterdy. Fabric is a linen/cotton small neutral stripe.
THEN, out of the print linen i bought to go with it - I cut the large Crescent Collar from my CHOSEN pattern.
Goal is to stitch up to show that my designs/patterns can be used on a base other than a sweatshirt!

After this weekend here in Pittsburgh as speaker for the ASG Anniversary Event - I can't wait to get SEWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This jacket, then a black linen one using the large scarf collar from my new LIVING pattern.
Then... some new jackets to create my TRUNK SHOW as will be offered to shops carrying my patterns...debuting at the Spring Quilt Market in May in Minneapolis.

Then...there's the new pieces I have great fabric saved for to wear to my 40th High School Reunion...

All this sewing??? In my dreams...but I'll try my best. I really need a sewing FIX!

Raw Edges + Rhinestone pins - AHHHHH

Was scanning this great necklace

made from old rhinestone earrings and pins I found in a Martha Stewart magazine - THEN I noticed, the RAW edges on this charmeuse dress - undoubtedly silk as well. Look at the neckline finish - it's just a strip of bias!!!
Then - even notice the extra wide - I'd say 3" or so double layers of bias stitched down the center - looks like there are 4 of them - and upper edges not even caught in with the neckline finish...
AMAZING! Why do we make sewing so nitty picky is what I wonder???
http://www.londas-sewing.com/Londas-Refined-Embellishments-for-Crea...

I feature BIAS over and over and over in my '"REFINED EMBELLISHMENTS FOR CREATIVE CLOTHING" DVD.
If your clothing needs a little push in the creative genre - you might want to consider adding it to your collection.

Story behind the DVD most mothers can identify with: This project took a week of shared days with my 30 year old son.... and this is NOT his favorite area of interest nor pastime! We worked and worked and strained and strained to get along and make it as perfect as we could.
THEN...as he is editing it - he calls MORTIFIED that he has discovered some intermittent static...from a source we surely didn't hear: the TRIPOD! (You have no idea how many times we had to start over because the phone rang!).
Confident in the value of the material - and the quantity (a full 2 hours and 45 minutes!), I convinced him that the content was more important than the 'polish' and we went ahead with the printing instead of 'enduring' another fond memory-making week together to re-do it. Instead, we reduced the price $10 from the already reasonable price of $29.95 to just $19.95. Sew....that intermittent audio interference ... it's FREE! :)

Seems to have been a good decision - I've only had 2 complaints, and NO returns. PLUS, a large sewing distributor has even added it to their line as well.

Try it - you might like it. Londa's REFINED EMBELLISHMENTS FOR CREATIVE CLOTHING

Makes sense to me - 28th Amendment

An idea whose time has come - regardless of your part or politics...

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they didn't pay into Social Security, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered...in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. This is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come.

Have each person contact a minimum of Twenty people on their Address list, in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution

"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

LUV Wow Storage System Containers

When I'm home for just a week at a time these days - I feel I really want to keep house and cook exceptionally well for my beloved hubby....

I weakened one day when I saw the ad for these WOW containers on TV - and am I ever glad I did!

They are amazing!

See them in ONE pullout shelf in my kitchen cabinets here to the left - ALL fit together!!!!! How cool is that?











Below, see them neatly in my refrigerator (note it is VERY clean - as is my kitchen floor! It was actually a delight to spend the day Wed. cleaning!!!!

At the price - order 2 sets and keep one in that Gift Closet!